Arancini Rice Balls are a delicious Italian appetizer made from leftover risotto, which is molded into balls, breaded, and fried to golden perfection. The rice balls are filled with a melty center—typically mozzarella or other cheeses—and are often flavored with herbs, peas, or meats like ground beef or beef sausage. The crispy, golden exterior gives way to the creamy, flavorful rice inside, making each bite a delightful combination of textures.
The first time I made these, I was looking for a way to use leftover risotto and wanted something a bit more fun and indulgent, and Arancini Rice Balls turned out to be the perfect solution! The combination of creamy, cheesy rice with the crispy, crunchy outside is truly irresistible. What I love most about Arancini Rice Balls is how customizable they are—you can mix in whatever fillings or cheeses you prefer, from classic mozzarella to adding some tomato sauce or spinach. They’re perfect for serving at parties, as appetizers, or even as a light main dish when paired with a fresh salad or marinara sauce for dipping!
Perfect for:
- Family gatherings
- Appetizers
- Dinner parties
- Italian cuisine lovers
- Game nights
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why these Arancini Rice Balls will become your new favorite snack:
- Crispy and Golden: The fried coating offers a satisfying crunch that contrasts perfectly with the creamy interior.
- Gooey Cheese: The cheese filling creates a delightful gooeyness that pulls apart with every bite.
- Versatile Fillings: You can customize the filling with ground meat, peas, or even vegetables.
- Rich in Flavor: The risotto base is infused with savory seasonings, making each bite flavorful.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for sharing, these rice balls are guaranteed to disappear quickly at parties.
- Comforting Dish: A deliciously hearty snack that feels like a warm hug.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the rice balls ahead of time and fry them just before serving.
- Authentic Italian Recipe: Experience a taste of Italy right at home with these traditional arancini.
- Perfect for Any Meal: Whether it’s a main dish, side, or appetizer, these rice balls are always a hit.
- Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love the crispy exterior and cheesy filling.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Servings: 12-15 rice balls
- Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 8g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 12g
Ingredients
For the Risotto Base:
- 1 ½ cups Arborio rice
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
The Filling:
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed
- ½ cup cooked ground beef or beef sausage (optional)
- ¼ cup peas (optional)
For the Coating:
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Ingredient Highlights
- Arborio Rice: The starchy rice creates a creamy, rich texture that’s perfect for risotto.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Melts wonderfully to create that signature gooey filling.
- Breadcrumbs: Provide the perfect crispy coating for the rice balls.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor to the risotto base.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Make the Risotto Base:
- Cook the Onion: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Cook the Rice: Add the Arborio rice and stir for 1-2 minutes until the rice is lightly toasted.
- Add Broth: Gradually add the broth, one cup at a time, stirring frequently. Allow the liquid to be absorbed before adding more. Continue this process until the rice is tender and creamy, about 20-25 minutes.
- Season and Cool: Stir in the Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper. Allow the risotto to cool completely before shaping into balls.
Prepare the Filling:
- Add Cheese and Meat: Once the risotto has cooled, take a small portion and flatten it into a disc. Place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center along with ground meat and peas if desired.
- Shape the Balls: Carefully shape the risotto into a ball around the filling, ensuring it’s sealed tightly. Repeat for the remaining rice and filling.
Coat the Rice Balls:
- Prepare the Breading Station: Set up a breading station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs.
- Bread the Rice Balls: Roll each rice ball first in the flour, then dip in the beaten eggs, and finally coat with breadcrumbs.
Fry the Rice Balls:
- Heat Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the Rice Balls: Fry the arancini in batches for 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Drain: Remove the rice balls from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Serve:
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the arancini warm with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Arancini Rice Balls:
- With Marinara Sauce: Dip arancini in homemade or store-bought marinara sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
- As Appetizers: Serve these crispy rice balls at your next mocktail party or game night.
- With a Salad: Pair with a light salad for a balanced meal.
- As a Snack: Enjoy them as a savory afternoon snack or lunch.
- With Garlic Bread: Serve alongside garlic bread for a complete Italian-inspired meal.
- As a Main Course: Serve with a side of vegetables for a hearty, comforting dinner.
- For Parties: Create a grazing table with various dips for dipping the arancini.
- With Parmesan Dip: Serve with a creamy Parmesan sauce for a rich accompaniment.
- As Finger Food: Perfect for casual gatherings and easy to eat with your hands.
- With Pasta: Serve alongside your favorite pasta dish for a filling meal.
Additional Tips
- Cool Before Shaping: Make sure the risotto is fully cooled before forming the rice balls, as this makes the process much easier.
- Freeze for Later: Freeze unbreaded rice balls for up to 3 months. When ready to fry, coat them in breadcrumbs and fry as usual.
- Crispier Texture: For extra crunch, double-coat the rice balls in breadcrumbs by dipping them in egg and breadcrumbs a second time before frying.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Fry the rice balls in batches to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy.
- Perfect Size: Aim for about 1 ½-inch rice balls for bite-sized portions.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Arancini: Skip the meat and use additional vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or roasted bell peppers.
- Spicy Arancini: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the risotto for a spicy kick.
- Beef Sausage and Spinach Arancini: Incorporate cooked beef sausage and sautéed spinach into the filling for a savory twist.
- Truffle Oil Arancini: Drizzle with truffle oil before serving for a luxurious flavor.
- Vegan Arancini: Use dairy-free cheese and vegetable broth to make a vegan-friendly version.
- Pesto Filling: Add a dollop of pesto sauce in the center of each rice ball for a fresh and aromatic filling.
- Saffron Arancini: Add a pinch of saffron to the risotto for a more aromatic and colorful dish.
Special Equipment
- Deep Fryer or Pot: For frying the rice balls.
- Skillet: To cook the risotto base.
- Bread Crumbing Station: Three shallow bowls for flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs.
- Tongs or Slotted Spoon: To remove the rice balls from the oil.
- Paper Towels: To drain excess oil from fried rice balls.
FAQ Section
- Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the rice balls ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze them. Fry them just before serving. - Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute mozzarella with provolone or cheddar for different flavors. - Can I bake the arancini instead of frying them?
Yes, bake them at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden and crispy. - How do I prevent them from falling apart while frying?
Ensure the risotto is fully cooled before shaping, and make sure the rice balls are tightly packed. - Can I make the risotto in advance?
Yes, prepare the risotto a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just let it cool before shaping the rice balls. - What dipping sauces work best?
Marinara, garlic aioli, or pesto sauce are excellent choices for dipping. - Can I freeze leftover rice balls?
Yes, freeze the cooked rice balls for up to 2 months and reheat in the oven or air fryer for a crispy texture.
Conclusion
Arancini Rice Balls are a delicious Italian snack or appetizer made from leftover risotto, stuffed with cheese, and then coated in breadcrumbs and fried to golden perfection. The crispy exterior gives way to a creamy, cheesy filling, making them the ultimate comfort food. You can stuff the rice balls with various ingredients, but the classic version uses mozzarella or Parmesan cheese at the center.
To make them, start with cooled risotto that’s been seasoned with herbs like thyme or parsley. You’ll form the risotto into balls, insert the cheese in the middle, and then dip them in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs before frying them until they’re perfectly crispy. You can also bake them for a lighter version, though frying gives them that iconic crunch. These Arancini Rice Balls are ideal for serving as an appetizer at a party or as a delicious snack. They’re easy to customize by adding ingredients like peas, prosciutto, or even mushrooms into the risotto for extra flavor.
I can’t wait to see how your Arancini Rice Balls turn out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your beautiful creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!